LANSING – Following through on his pledge to strengthen Michigan's schools, state Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today voted for a School Aid Fund budget that will increase money for the state's lowest-funded districts, enabling them to keep more teachers in the classroom, invest in educational technology and prepare students for the high-tech jobs of the 21st century.
"All students deserve a high-quality education that will prepare them to compete for the good-paying jobs in the new global economy," said Brown, who was a member of the local education community for two decades before being taking office in January. "We must invest in all kids, not just the ones who live in wealthier districts. Schools in rural areas like ours need our fair share of state resources so they can provide the top-notch education that our students in the Thumb need in order to succeed."
Under the plan that passed the House today, schools that receive the lowest state funding would be brought in line with higher-funded districts through increases in equity payments. Every school district in Tuscola County and two-thirds of the districts in Huron County would receive an increase of $96 per student – $48, plus an additional $48 per-student equity payment – because they currently receive the lowest level of state funding possible.
For example, Caro Community Schools would receive an increase of $189, 234; Vassar Public Schools would get an additional $165,846; Bad Axe school district would receive $113,006 more; and Elkton Pigeon Bay Port would get an increase of $94,486.
"Investing in education is the key to getting Michigan's economy on track and attracting high-tech, 21st century employers to our area," said Brown, a member of the House Education Committee. "By leveling the playing field and narrowing the state funding gap, we will make sure that the young people of today become the leaders of tomorrow."